Which of the following correctly describes Two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires two different forms of identification before granting access. The fundamental purpose of 2FA is to add an additional layer of security to the verification process beyond just the password.

In the context of the provided options, using a password in combination with biometrics exemplifies the principle of two-factor authentication effectively. Biometrics—such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans—are based on unique physical characteristics of the user. This means that even if someone were to obtain the password, they would not be able to gain access without the biometric feature, which is inherently more secure because it relies on something that the user is, rather than something they know or possess.

This option stands out as it combines "something you know" (the password) with "something you are" (the biometrics), fulfilling the requirement of two different categories of authentication factors — a core aspect of two-factor authentication systems.

The other options—password combined with a phone call, security question, or PIN—while they may offer additional security mechanisms, do not effectively represent the two-factor model found in the combination of a password with a biometric characteristic. For example, a phone call or a security question can be less